Theater review: ‘Finding Neverland’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Finding Neverland’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday May 7.  Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

Peter Pan is one of the world’s most beloved characters and right now playing at the Majestic Theatre is ‘Finding Neverland,’ the story behind the inspiration for the story of Peter Pan. It is based on the Academy Award winning movie by David Magee and the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan” by Allan Knee. It is the story of the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family who inspired ‘Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’

After a successful opening night, it is easy to see why “Finding Neverland” is one of those musicals that appeals to all ages. It has the childhood wonder of imagination and the adult themes of perseverance and strength. The show begins with “Welcome to London” as ‘Peter Pan’ is well under way and J.M. Barrie comes onstage, interrupts the show and begins the story of how he got the idea that started it all. Desperate for inspiration, one day he is out walking his dog at the park when he meets four young brothers and their mother. He is fascinated by their make-believe adventures and while getting to know them he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers.

Billy Harrigan Tighe is strong as J.M. Barrie and the children, Ben Krieger as Peter, Finn Faulconer as George, Mitchell Wray as Jack and Jordan Cole as Michael hold up their own alongside the adults and steal every scene they are in. Show highlights are “We Own the Night” and “Circus of Your Mind” where J.M. Barrie’s imagination is unfolding and the audience gets a sneak peek inside his mind. Especially powerful is “Stronger” during which he finally has a breakthrough and has the courage to go after his dreams. Overall it is a must see musical about the power of imagination and proof that people never have to grow up and features mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs. ‘Finding Neverland’ plays until Sunday May 7 at the Majestic Theatre. Tickets start at $30 and are available at the box office.

“A man who is not willing to fight for what he wants gets what he deserves.”

Theater review: ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’

 

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‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday March 19, 2017.  Photo: google

The award winning musical ‘Beautiful- The Carole King Musical’ made its San Antonio premiere at the Majestic Theatre last night and the audience was treated to a night of unforgettable music. ‘Beautiful’ is the hit musical about the early life and career of the legendary singer and songwriter. Carole King starts in the music business at the age of 17 when she writes her first number one hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” for the Shirelles with her husband Gerry Goffin. The hits keep coming and include “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “The Loco-Motion,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “One Fine Day” and many more. It isn’t until her marriage to Gerry fails and she moves to Los Angeles that she finds her voice and decides to release her solo album and the rest is music history.

Tuesday’s performance was well received as most of the audience members were familiar with the songs and were singing along to the performances. The first song “So Far Away” set the evening’s nostalgic mood especially during the artist’s performances of the songs. These included the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway” and Little Eva’s “The Locomotion.” The Righteous Brothers performance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” was the highlight of the night and it made a big impact on the audience. “Neil Sedaka” provided some of the comic relief when he kept popping in and out. The entire cast shines on this production but it is Julia Knitel’s performance as Carole King that stands out because she brings the title character’s role to life. Overall it is night of music, dancing and trips down memory lane. It is a must see for music fans of all ages.

‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday March 19, 2017. Performances are at 7:30p.m. through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Ticket start at $45 and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Tickets on sale for ‘Matilda The Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Tickets to ‘Matilda The Musical’ go on sale Friday March 3, 2017. Photo: google

‘Matilda The Musical’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in June as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. It is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers and will play at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday June 6 through Sunday June 11, 2017.   Tickets go on sale this Friday March 3 at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $30 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Matilda The Musical’ is a musical based on the novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl. It is the story a Matilda, a precocious five year old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life. She dreams of a better life and armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind she dares to take a stand and changer her own destiny. Winner of four Tony Awards it is directed by Matthew Warchus with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

‘Rent’ rush: Special $25 tickets

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The touring production of ‘Rent’ opens at the Majestic Theatre this Friday March 3, 2017.  Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

The 20th anniversary of ‘Rent’ comes to the Majestic Theatre this week starting on Friday and North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio has announced a special deal on tickets. On each performance day, twenty first row seats in the orchestra section will be available for $25. These tickets are available for in-person purchases at the Majestic Theatre box office located at 226 East Houston on the day of each performance only and two hours prior to the show. They are cash only tickets and are limited to two tickets per person. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

The tradition of the $25 tickets began in 1996 in New York when the show moved to Broadway after a sold out run in a small downtown theater. The producers of the show are committed to continuing the tradition of offering orchestra seats for $25 in each city the show will play. ‘Rent’ will play five performances from Friday March 3 through Sunday March 5, 2017 as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season. Performances are at 7:30p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical, it is a reimagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling artists in New York’s Lower East Side. With its universal themes of love and hardships it has become a pop culture phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages. Its message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

‘Rent’ karaoke competition

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There will be a ‘Rent’ karaoke competition on Wednesday March 1 at The St Anthony Hotel for a chance to win tickets for the performance on Friday March 3. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

The 20th Anniversary Tour of ‘Rent’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre from March 3 through March 5 and to get things rolling The St Anthony Hotel is teaming up with the Majestic Theatre to bring the Broadway stage to Peacock Alley for one night. On Wednesday March 1 there will be a karaoke competition in the hotel’s famed Peacock Alley from 5.m. to 7p.m. The public is invited to enter for a chance to win two tickets to ‘Rent’ on Friday March 3 at 8p.m. Two winners will be chosen by crowd applause and judges from The St Anthony Hotel and the Majestic Theatre. Guests will be able to enjoy a “La Vie Boheim’ cocktail with a special twist on the classic French 75 for $7. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Rent’ will play for five performances only as part of the North Park Lexus 2016-2017 season. The winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling artists in New York’s Lower East Side. With its universal themes of love and hardships it has become a pop culture phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages. Its message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters. Prices for tickets begin at $35 and are available at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The St Anthony Hotel
Peacock Alley aka temporarily as the ‘Life Café’
300 East Travis St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-439

Broadway In San Antonio announces 2017-2018 season lineup

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‘The King and I’ is one of the productions coming to the Majestic Theatre as part of the 2017-2018 Broadway in San Antonio season. Photo by Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio recently announced the line up for next season and theater fans are in for another unforgettable season of fabulous shows. The 2017-2018 season at the Majestic Theatre will include eight productions including four market debuts, Tony Award winning shows, family classics and returning favorites. It was also announced that the national tour of ‘Hamilton’ will play the Majestic Theatre as part of the 2018-2019 season. Season subscribers can choose a six show package starting at $211 or seven show package including ‘The Book of Mormon’ starting at $250. The benefits of being a season subscriber include avoiding possible ticket price increases closer to the show, priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket replacement and seat exchange privileges. More information is available online or by calling Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-SHOW (7469) from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

In 2017 the season begins with ‘The Bodyguard’ from September 19 through September 24, ‘The King and I’ from October 17 through October 22 and Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ from December 12 through December 17. ‘The Bodyguard’ is based on the hit film and tells the story of former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. It includes the hit songs “Saving All My Love,” “I Have Nothing” and the iconic “I Will Always Love You.” ‘The King and I’ is set in 1860s Bangkok and is the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who is hired to tutor his many wives and children. Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ is based on the 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. It is the story of a song and dance team who put on a show at a Vermont Inn and end up falling for a stunning sister act. Hit songs include “Sisters,” “Happy Holiday” and “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.”

In 2018 the season continues with season option Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ from January 12 through January 14, ‘The Color Purple’ from February 6 through February 11, ‘On Your Feet’ from March 13 through March 18, ‘The Book of Mormon’ from May 1 through May 6 and ‘An American In Paris’ from June 12 through June 17. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ is the Tony Award winning musical that has delighted audiences with its contemporary take on the classic fairy tale. It includes the beloved songs “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes.” ‘The Color Purple’ won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival and is about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. ‘On Your Feet’ tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s humble beginnings in Cuba and how they came to America and became a crossover success in the pop music world. ‘The Book of Mormon’ is the outrageous musical comedy that follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries who are sent halfway around the world to share the good news. The season ends with ‘An A­­­­merican In Paris,’ the new hit musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city all longing for a new beginning after the war.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Tickets to ‘Finding Neverland’ go on sale Friday

findingneverlandThe touring production of ‘Finding Neverland’ will be stopping by the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday May 2 through Sunday May 7 as part of the 2016-2017 season of North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow Friday January 20 at 10a.m. for performances at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787) and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre box office. Majestic Theatre box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday hours vary. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Finding Neverland’ is based on the Academy Award winning movie by David Magee and the play ‘The Man Who Was Peter Pan’ by Allan Knee. It follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired ‘Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’ It is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus with a book by Olivier Award nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy and choreography by Emmy Award winner Mia Michaels. This musical is a story about the power of imagination and proof that people never really have to grow up. It features mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs.

 

Theater review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Jersey Boys’ is playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday December 11. Courtesy photo, used with permission. 

There is plenty to do in town this chilly weekend but for anyone looking for something to do indoors there are still four more chances to catch ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time.

After a successful opening night on Tuesday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong playing to an older crowd who undoubtedly remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highlight of their careers. The show starts with a French rendition of December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) and gives way to Tommy DeVito, played by Matthew Dailey, who shows up, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band. Throughout the show they each take turns narrating from his point of view. This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and thereby making it more personal. Show highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli, played by Miguel Jarquin-Moreland, sings to his wife. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. It is a must see for die hard fans.

‘Jersey Boys’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre. Upcoming show times are 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices begin at $30 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Disclaimer: contains adult language.

Tickets to ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ now on sale

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‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ will be playing at the Majestic Theatre in March.  Tickets are now on sale. Photo: google

Coming up in March ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ will make its San Antonio premiere as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio series. It will be playing at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday March 14 through Sunday March 19, 2017. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $45 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2016)

‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ is the Tony and Grammy Award winning Broadway hit about the early life and career of the legendary singer and songwriter. Before she made it big, she was Carol Klein, a Brooklyn native with passion and chutzpah. She started in the record business as a teenager and eventually had a successful career as writing hits for the biggest acts in rock and roll. It took a personal crisis for her to finally find her own voice. This musical is the true story of her rise to fame that includes being part of a songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, her relationship with other writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and how she became one of the most successful solo acts in music history. It includes the popular songs “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and the title song.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, Tx 78205
(210) 226-5700